More than 100 cute pets will be showcased at a special event this weekend where animal owners can give their fur babies up for adoption rather than dumping them on the street.
Organised by the Dogs Care Society (DCS), the fifth edition of the Pets Adoption Festival will take place today at Bahrain World for Animals in Jannusan, at 2.30pm, and will feature dozens of cuddly cats, dogs, birds and even chickens.
Golden retrievers, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians and other dog breeds are set to participate in the event.
“We created this proactive event last year to encourage pet owners to try to get their dog or cat adopted, instead of abandoning them and risking their safety,” DCS chairman Isa Alnasheet told the GDN.
“When people sign up for the festival, a veterinarian evaluates the animals to verify their health.
“The interested owner is also given a document with all the notes the vet makes, so that they are completely aware about the animal’s condition.
“Doing so ensures that all parties are informed of what is going on and prevents future issues. It also creates a straightforward and honest system, which encourages people to return or to promote the event to a friend, resulting in increased participation, which is always a good thing.”
Mr Alnasheet also explained that once someone decides to adopt an animal, they must sign a document stating that they will provide it with the highest quality of care possible and keep it in good health.
“The original owner is allowed to pay the animal a visit initially to ensure everything is okay in its new family and home,” he said, adding that this gives them peace of mind that it is not being abused or mistreated.
“In addition, a new microchip is installed in the pet, registered to the new owner, so if we find it has been dumped on the street, we know exactly who has done it.
“We also do this because people must be held accountable. Owning an animal is serious commitment that should not be taken lightly, so we want to ensure that anyone who signs up understands that all pets must be treated with the utmost respect.”
The first and second editions of the Pets Adoption Festival held last year drew 1,823 visitors. In addition, 54 birds, 68 dogs and 71 cats were adopted.
A total of 11 animals were rejected for health or other reasons.
Campaign
The GDN has previously reported that hundreds of stray dogs from all across the country were captured, neutered and released (CNR) in Askar last year despite limited opposition to the operation.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Agriculture Affairs’ local animal production director Dr Abbas Al Hayki told Southern Municipal Council members last month that until budgeting for Bahrain’s first public pet park is confirmed, they will continue with this strategy.
The proposed animal sanctuary would have a capacity to provide a safe environment for around 5,000 animals.
It will cover an area of 40,000 square metres and feature green areas and buildings with an estimated 15,000sqm set aside to accommodate the desert dogs.
It will also include a museum highlighting the history of canines in Bahrain, celebrating the Saluki breed, renowned for its hunting skills and loyalty as the Arab man’s best friend.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
Top stories for today:
Messi’s son scores 11 goals in U13 match
Serial thief stands trial for threatening and robbing couple
Food truck blaze put out in Juffair
&uuid=(email))